The Nibelungenlied · Character

Siegmund

The aging king of Netherland who dreads his son's Burgundian wooing yet arms him for it, sensing Hagen's pride will bring grief.

supporting

Also known as King Siegmund, noble Siegmund, Lord Siegmund, Sir Siegmund

First appearance: Adventure II: Siegfried

As a supporting figure in The Nibelungenlied, Siegmund is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

King of Netherland and father of Siegfried, who hosts a lavish banquet and tournament for his son's knighting.

In the storyAdventure II: SiegfriedOpen this moment free

Siegmund rules the Netherlandish court where Siegfried was raised, a father torn between pride in his heir and clear-eyed fear of the Rhineland powers. When Siegfried declares he will wed Kriemhild or no one, Siegmund warns that Gunther's retainers, especially Hagen, hide overweening pride beneath courtly manners, and he knows by force no bride is ever truly won. He yields anyway, offering friends and warriors, and his reluctant blessing sets the hero on the road that will define the epic's first half.

See Siegmund in Adventure II: Siegfried Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Siegmund sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Burgundian and Hun nobility
Protagonist

+9 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dietrich, the…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Siegfried
family · positive
Siegmund is Siegfried's father, proud of his son and devastated by his murder. How this plays out →
Siegfried
family · positive
Siegmund is Siegfried's father, proud of his son and devastated by his murder. How this plays out →
Siegfried
family · positive
Siegmund is Siegfried's father, proud of his son and devastated by his murder. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Siegmund in Adventure II: Siegfried

In the story

Siegmund appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Adventure II: Siegfried
King of Netherland and father of Siegfried, who hosts a lavish banquet and tournament for his son's knighting.
How Siegfried Came to Worms
Siegfried's father, initially fearful of Gunther's court, but supports his son's journey.
Adventure XI: How Siegfried Went Home with His Wife
Receives news of Siegfried's return; abdicates his crown in favor of Siegfried.
How Gunther Bade Siegfried to the Festival
Decides to accompany Siegfried to the festival with a hundred swordsmen.
How They Journeyed to the Festival
Rides with Siegfried and Kriemhilda to Worms; expresses his joy at meeting Gunther.
Adventure XV: How Siegfried Was Betrayed
Siegfried's father; asked to stay behind during the false campaign.
Adventure XVII: How Kriemhilda Mourn'd for Her Husband, and How He Was Buried
Grieves for his son and prepares to avenge him, but is restrained by Kriemhilda.
Adventure XVIII: How Siegmund Went Back to His Own Land
Siegfried's father, who tries to bring Kriemhilda and her son back to his land, but ultimately departs sorrowfully without her.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Siegmund unlock in the free preview.

See Siegmund in Adventure II: Siegfried